GlobalMedia: Development Communication: A History (Marshall Plan, etc.) (W8-P2) Sp17

"Uncle" Wilbur

A Historical Sketch of Development Communication

First a quick overview...

Dr. Wilbur Schramm
Founder of the social science study of communication (late 40s-50s) and key founder of development communication.

• 1950s: 
• Post-WWII & Cold War -- Newly independent nations struggling (the “terrible ascent”)
• 1960s: 
• Schramm: How to help them? His answer: w/ mass media - “the great multiplier.” Need to bring in mass media technology.
• 1970s: 
• Many countries implemented mass media programs.
• 1980s: 
• 1) Concern with “Neo-imperialism”



Hamid Mowlana

• 2) Mowlana: users of mass media blind to the importance of traditional forms of communication in some societies/cultures. “Technology vs. Tradition” (Mowlana)
• 1990s: 
• Use of mass media to aid in development, but w/ caution regarding culture. Example: AIDS/HIV education in radio program in Tanzania & TV soap opera in China (Rogers)
• 2000s: 
• New issues and use of new communication technologies

(Sources: based on Mowlana, 1996, 1997, Stevenson, 1993, Rogers, 1997)



Now back to the 40s and 50s...

Coming out of World War II the U.S. was in good shape (economically, politically, etc.), but many of the nations of Europe faced problems.

To get a sense of the problem faces see CNN Perspectives Presents Cold War. (See also background info on this CNN series.)

Some of the series is available online.  As you watch the clips below pay close attention to the Marshall Plan.  What relationship does it have to development communication?

U.S. provided $$ and expertise in "reconstructing" Europe. U.S. foreign policy (lead by Truman) changed isolationism to “active leadership.” The U.S. offered the Marshall Plan* (more on Marshall Plan from CNN).

See the clips 0:00 to 1:50 and from about 20:30 to 28:00



Why should the U.S. help European countries after WWII?

1. humanitarian concerns (White Man’s Burden again?)
2. stop spread of communism!

Truman Doctrine: to defend freedom & democracy worldwide.

Edward T. Hall

After reconstructing Europe Truman offered the world “the benefits of our [U.S.] scientific advances and industrial progress… for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas.”

This was called the Point Four Program. (Director, Edward Hall)
One of the key tasks taken on by Hall was teaching U.S. diplomats intercultural communication skills. The formal study of intercultural communication can be traced back to Hall and this program.  Hall has been called the founding father of intercultural communication study.

The government lacked knowledge on how to develop nations, so they turned to academia. Development theories were developed in economics, psychology, political science, sociology, and communication. For example, Wilbur Schramm offered his theory/approach to development.  By the mid-70s, development programs were recognized an ineffective. Schramm, Rogers and others recognized the faults.

Everett M. Rogers

What was wrong? According to Rogers (1976)
The old way of doing development programs had the following errors:

1. They assume infinite economic growth, ignore problems like population growth, pollution, etc., and do not take into account the "quality of life."
2. They emphasize technology and capital rather than labor, thus encouraging economic dependence on advanced countries. Low priority to agriculture.
3. It blames the developing countries for their failings, ignoring external factors beyond their control.
4. It takes an ethnocentric (Western) bias by emphasizing the modernization of "traditional" individuals.

(Sources: International Encyclopedia of Communication, "Development Communication," 1989; "Marshall Plan" Britannica Online.].).

NOTE: Three of the scholars mentioned above (Mowlana, Hall and Rogers) were professors of mine.  They are part of my intellectual family.  And, now you are part of this intellectual family too.  As for Schramm, it actually turns out that I might be biologically related to "Uncle Wilbur."  Born in the same small city, graduated from same undergrad college, same family tree roots, etc.

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: What are International Communication and Global Communication? (W2-P2) Sp17

There are activities (things that happen in the world) and there are fields of academic study.

International and global communication can be seen as both an activity and a field of study.

International Communication: “simply defined, is communication that occurs across international borders, that is, over the borders of nation-states”(Fortner).

International Communication: “a field of inquiry and research that consists of the transfer of values, attitudes, opinions, and information through individuals, groups, governments, and technologies, as well as the study of the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Mowlana).

Global Communication: “the intersection of disciplines that studies the transborder communication of values, attitudes, opinions, information, and data by individuals, groups, people, institutions, governments, and information technologies, as well as the resulting controversial issues arising from the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Frederick). [Note: Frederick is a former student of Mowlana. I had the honor of being a student of both Mowlana and Frederick at American University's School of International Service.]

What difference do you see between "international communication" and "global communication"?  Are they the same thing?  What is Frederick adding to the discussion?


One thing that Frederick stresses is that "global communication" is "an intersection of disciplines" or put another way it is an interdiscipline.

Interdiscipline: "a field of scholars who identify with various disciplines but share a common interest in a theme that crosses traditional [academic] boundaries“ (Littlejohn).

Disciplines which study GC: international relations, political science, communication, sociology, anthropology, electronic communication, etc.

Another difference that Frederick stresses is: 

• International Communication: 
• communication between nation-states
• Global Communication: 
• includes nation-states, but also acknowledges the growing importance of the role of the “non-state actors”

Types and examples of “non-state actors”

• Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
• private interest groups
• Grameen Bank 
• Greenpeace International
• (See Union of International Associations (UIA) - 44,000+ NGOs listed)
• Transnational Corporations (TNCs)
• Examples
• Microsoft
• Coca-Cola
• CNN

Mowlana acknowledges Frederick’s distinction and now uses “Global Communication” in later books.

Use the definition given above and determine if the following are examples of global communication.

• Transfer of funds from a bank in U.S. to a Swiss bank?
• CNN broadcasts around the world?
• An electronic journal produced in the U.S. read by a person in Argentina?
• Voice of America broadcasts in other countries?
• Television programming produced in New Zealand shown in Australia?
• Pres. Obama talking with German leader?

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MassMedia: What is International Communication? (W15-P1) Fa16

There are activities (things that happen in the world) and there are fields of academic study.

International communication can be seen as both an activity and a field of study.

International Communication (as an activity): “simply defined, is communication that occurs across international borders, that is, over the borders of nation-states”(Fortner).

International Communication (as an area of study): “a field of inquiry and research that consists of the transfer of values, attitudes, opinions, and information through individuals, groups, governments, and technologies, as well as the study of the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Mowlana).

International communication can be seen as an interdiscipline.

Interdiscipline: "a field of scholars who identify with various disciplines but share a common interest in a theme that crosses traditional [academic] boundaries“ (Littlejohn).

Disciplines which study international communication: international relations, political science, communication, sociology, anthropology, electronic communication, etc.

Who is involved in international communication?   State actors and and non-state actors.

State actors are governments, i.e. states, nations.

Types and examples of “non-state actors”

• Transnational Corporations (TNCs)
• Examples
• Microsoft
• Coca-Cola
• CNN
• Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
• private interest groups
• Grameen Bank 
• Greenpeace International
• (See Union of International Associations (UIA) - 44,000+ NGOs listed)

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: Development Communication: A History (Marshall Plan, etc.) (U8-P2) Sp16

"Uncle" Wilbur

A Historical Sketch of Development Communication

First a quick overview...

Dr. Wilbur Schramm
Founder of the social science study of communication (late 40s-50s) and key founder of development communication.

• 1950s: 
• Post-WWII & Cold War -- Newly independent nations struggling (the “terrible ascent”)
• 1960s: 
• Schramm: How to help them? His answer: w/ mass media - “the great multiplier.” Need to bring in mass media technology.
• 1970s: 
• Many countries implemented mass media programs.
• 1980s: 
• 1) Concern with “Neo-imperialism”



Hamid Mowlana

• 2) Mowlana: users of mass media blind to the importance of traditional forms of communication in some societies/cultures. “Technology vs. Tradition” (Mowlana)
• 1990s: 
• Use of mass media to aid in development, but w/ caution regarding culture. Example: AIDS/HIV education in radio program in Tanzania & TV soap opera in China (Rogers)
• 2000s: 
• New issues and use of new communication technologies

(Sources: based on Mowlana, 1996, 1997, Stevenson, 1993, Rogers, 1997)



Now back to the 40s and 50s...

Coming out of World War II the U.S. was in good shape (economically, politically, etc.), but many of the nations of Europe faced problems.

To get a sense of the problem faces see CNN Perspectives Presents Cold War. (See also background info on this CNN series.)

Some of the series is available online.  As you watch the clips below pay close attention to the Marshall Plan.  What relationship does it have to development communication?

U.S. provided $$ and expertise in "reconstructing" Europe. U.S. foreign policy (lead by Truman) changed isolationism to “active leadership.” The U.S. offered the Marshall Plan* (more on Marshall Plan from CNN).

See the clips 0:00 to 1:50 and from about 20:30 to 28:00



Why should the U.S. help European countries after WWII?

1. humanitarian concerns (White Man’s Burden again?)
2. stop spread of communism!

Truman Doctrine: to defend freedom & democracy worldwide.

Edward T. Hall

After reconstructing Europe Truman offered the world “the benefits of our [U.S.] scientific advances and industrial progress… for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas.”

This was called the Point Four Program. (Director, Edward Hall)
One of the key tasks taken on by Hall was teaching U.S. diplomats intercultural communication skills. The formal study of intercultural communication can be traced back to Hall and this program.  Hall has been called the founding father of intercultural communication study.

The government lacked knowledge on how to develop nations, so they turned to academia. Development theories were developed in economics, psychology, political science, sociology, and communication. For example, Wilbur Schramm offered his theory/approach to development.  By the mid-70s, development programs were recognized an ineffective. Schramm, Rogers and others recognized the faults.

Everett M. Rogers

What was wrong? According to Rogers (1976)
The old way of doing development programs had the following errors:

1. They assume infinite economic growth, ignore problems like population growth, pollution, etc., and do not take into account the "quality of life."
2. They emphasize technology and capital rather than labor, thus encouraging economic dependence on advanced countries. Low priority to agriculture.
3. It blames the developing countries for their failings, ignoring external factors beyond their control.
4. It takes an ethnocentric (Western) bias by emphasizing the modernization of "traditional" individuals.

(Sources: International Encyclopedia of Communication, "Development Communication," 1989; "Marshall Plan" Britannica Online.].).

NOTE: Three of the scholars mentioned above (Mowlana, Hall and Rogers) were professors of mine.  They are part of my intellectual family.  And, now you are part of this intellectual family too.  As for Schramm, it actually turns out that I might be biologically related to "Uncle Wilbur."  Born in the same small city, graduated from same undergrad college, same family tree roots, etc.


Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: What are International Communication and Global Communication? (W2-P2) Sp16

There are activities (things that happen in the world) and there are fields of academic study.

International and global communication can be seen as both an activity and a field of study.

International Communication: “simply defined, is communication that occurs across international borders, that is, over the borders of nation-states”(Fortner).

International Communication: “a field of inquiry and research that consists of the transfer of values, attitudes, opinions, and information through individuals, groups, governments, and technologies, as well as the study of the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Mowlana).

Global Communication: “the intersection of disciplines that studies the transborder communication of values, attitudes, opinions, information, and data by individuals, groups, people, institutions, governments, and information technologies, as well as the resulting controversial issues arising from the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Frederick). [Note: Frederick is a former student of Mowlana. I had the honor of being a student of both Mowlana and Frederick at American University's School of International Service.]

What difference do you see between "international communication" and "global communication"?  Are they the same thing?  What is Frederick adding to the discussion?


One thing that Frederick stresses is that "global communication" is "an intersection of disciplines" or put another way it is an interdiscipline.

Interdiscipline: "a field of scholars who identify with various disciplines but share a common interest in a theme that crosses traditional [academic] boundaries“ (Littlejohn).

Disciplines which study GC: international relations, political science, communication, sociology, anthropology, electronic communication, etc.

Another difference that Frederick stresses is: 

• International Communication: 
• communication between nation-states
• Global Communication: 
• includes nation-states, but also acknowledges the growing importance of the role of the “non-state actors”

Types and examples of “non-state actors”

• Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
• private interest groups
• Grameen Bank 
• Greenpeace International
• (See Union of International Associations (UIA) - 44,000+ NGOs listed)
• Transnational Corporations (TNCs)
• Examples
• Microsoft
• Coca-Cola
• CNN

Mowlana acknowledges Frederick’s distinction and now uses “Global Communication” in later books.

Use the definition given above and determine if the following are examples of global communication.

• Transfer of funds from a bank in U.S. to a Swiss bank?
• CNN broadcasts around the world?
• An electronic journal produced in the U.S. read by a person in Argentina?
• Voice of America broadcasts in other countries?
• Television programming produced in New Zealand shown in Australia?
• Pres. Obama talking with German leader?

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MassMedia: What are International Communication and Global Communication? (W15-P1) Fa15

There are activities (things that happen in the world) and there are fields of academic study.

International and global communication can be seen as both an activity and a field of study.

International Communication: “simply defined, is communication that occurs across international borders, that is, over the borders of nation-states”(Fortner).

International Communication: “a field of inquiry and research that consists of the transfer of values, attitudes, opinions, and information through individuals, groups, governments, and technologies, as well as the study of the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Mowlana).

Global Communication: “the intersection of disciplines that studies the transborder communication of values, attitudes, opinions, information, and data by individuals, groups, people, institutions, governments, and information technologies, as well as the resulting controversial issues arising from the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Frederick). [Note: Frederick is a former student of Mowlana. I had the honor of being a student of both Mowlana and Frederick at American University's School of International Service.]

What difference do you see between "international communication" and "global communication"?  Are they the same thing?  What is Frederick adding to the discussion?


One thing that Frederick stresses is that "global communication" is "an intersection of disciplines" or put another way it is an interdiscipline.

Interdiscipline: "a field of scholars who identify with various disciplines but share a common interest in a theme that crosses traditional [academic] boundaries“ (Littlejohn).

Disciplines which study GC: international relations, political science, communication, sociology, anthropology, electronic communication, etc.

Another difference that Frederick stresses is: 

• International Communication: 
• communication between nation-states
• Global Communication: 
• includes nation-states, but also acknowledges the growing importance of the role of the “non-state actors”

Types and examples of “non-state actors”

• Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
• private interest groups
• Grameen Bank 
• Greenpeace International
• (See Union of International Associations (UIA) - 44,000+ NGOs listed)
• Transnational Corporations (TNCs)
• Examples
• Microsoft
• Coca-Cola
• CNN

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: Development Communication: A History (Marshall Plan, etc.) (U8-P2) Sp15

"Uncle" Wilbur

A Historical Sketch of Development Communication

First a quick overview...

Dr. Wilbur Schramm
Founder of the social science study of communication (late 40s-50s) and key founder of development communication.

• 1950s: 
• Post-WWII & Cold War -- Newly independent nations struggling (the “terrible ascent”)
• 1960s: 
• Schramm: How to help them? His answer: w/ mass media - “the great multiplier.” Need to bring in mass media technology.
• 1970s: 
• Many countries implemented mass media programs.
• 1980s: 
• 1) Concern with “Neo-imperialism”



Hamid Mowlana

• 2) Mowlana: users of mass media blind to the importance of traditional forms of communication in some societies/cultures. “Technology vs. Tradition” (Mowlana)
• 1990s: 
• Use of mass media to aid in development, but w/ caution regarding culture. Example: AIDS/HIV education in radio program in Tanzania & TV soap opera in China (Rogers)
• 2000s: 
• New issues and use of new communication technologies

(Sources: based on Mowlana, 1996, 1997, Stevenson, 1993, Rogers, 1997)



Now back to the 40s and 50s...

Coming out of World War II the U.S. was in good shape (economically, politically, etc.), but many of the nations of Europe faced problems.

To get a sense of the problem faces see CNN Perspectives Presents Cold War. (See also background info on this CNN series.)

Some of the series is available online.  As you watch the clips below pay close attention to the Marshall Plan.  What relationship does it have to development communication?

U.S. provided $$ and expertise in "reconstructing" Europe. U.S. foreign policy (lead by Truman) changed isolationism to “active leadership.” The U.S. offered the Marshall Plan* (more on Marshall Plan from CNN).

See the clips 0:00 to 1:50 and from 20:28 to 27:52



Why should the U.S. help European countries after WWII?

1. humanitarian concerns (White Man’s Burden again?)
2. stop spread of communism!

Truman Doctrine: to defend freedom & democracy worldwide.

Edward T. Hall

After reconstructing Europe Truman offered the world “the benefits of our [U.S.] scientific advances and industrial progress… for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas.”

This was called the Point Four Program. (Director, Edward Hall)
One of the key tasks taken on by Hall was teaching U.S. diplomats intercultural communication skills. The formal study of intercultural communication can be traced back to Hall and this program.  Hall has been called the founding father of intercultural communication study.

The government lacked knowledge on how to develop nations, so they turned to academia. Development theories were developed in economics, psychology, political science, sociology, and communication. For example, Wilbur Schramm offered his theory/approach to development.  By the mid-70s, development programs were recognized an ineffective. Schramm, Rogers and others recognized the faults.

Everett M. Rogers

What was wrong? According to Rogers (1976)
The old way of doing development programs had the following errors:

1. They assume infinite economic growth, ignore problems like population growth, pollution, etc., and do not take into account the "quality of life."
2. They emphasize technology and capital rather than labor, thus encouraging economic dependence on advanced countries. Low priority to agriculture.
3. It blames the developing countries for their failings, ignoring external factors beyond their control.
4. It takes an ethnocentric (Western) bias by emphasizing the modernization of "traditional" individuals.

(Sources: International Encyclopedia of Communication, "Development Communication," 1989; "Marshall Plan" Britannica Online.].).

NOTE: Three of the scholars mentioned above (Mowlana, Hall and Rogers) were professors of mine.  They are part of my intellectual family.  And, now you are part of this intellectual family too.  As for Schramm, it actually turns out that I might be biologically related to "Uncle Wilbur."  Born in the same city, graduated from same undergrad college, same family tree roots, etc.


Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: What are International Communication and Global Communication? (W2-P2) Sp15

There are activities (things that happen in the world) and there are fields of academic study.

International and global communication can be seen as both an activity and a field of study.

International Communication: “simply defined, is communication that occurs across international borders, that is, over the borders of nation-states”(Fortner).

International Communication: “a field of inquiry and research that consists of the transfer of values, attitudes, opinions, and information through individuals, groups, governments, and technologies, as well as the study of the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Mowlana).

Global Communication: “the intersection of disciplines that studies the transborder communication of values, attitudes, opinions, information, and data by individuals, groups, people, institutions, governments, and information technologies, as well as the resulting controversial issues arising from the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Frederick). [Note: Frederick is a former student of Mowlana. I had the honor of being a student of both Mowlana and Frederick at American University's School of International Service.]

What difference do you see between "international communication" and "global communication"?  Are they the same thing?  What is Frederick adding to the discussion?


One thing that Frederick stresses is that "global communication" is "an intersection of disciplines" or put another way it is an interdiscipline.

Interdiscipline: "a field of scholars who identify with various disciplines but share a common interest in a theme that crosses traditional [academic] boundaries“ (Littlejohn).

Disciplines which study GC: international relations, political science, communication, sociology, anthropology, electronic communication, etc.

Another difference that Frederick stresses is: 

• International Communication: 
• communication between nation-states
• Global Communication: 
• includes nation-states, but also acknowledges the growing importance of the role of the “non-state actors”

Types and examples of “non-state actors”

• Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
• private interest groups
• Grameen Bank 
• Greenpeace International
• (See Union of International Associations (UIA) - 44,000+ NGOs listed)
• Transnational Corporations (TNCs)
• Examples
• Microsoft
• Coca-Cola
• CNN

Mowlana acknowledges Frederick’s distinction and now uses “Global Communication” in later books.

Use the definition given above and determine if the following are examples of global communication.

• Transfer of funds from a bank in U.S. to a Swiss bank?
• CNN broadcasts around the world?
• An electronic journal produced in the U.S. read by a person in Argentina?
• Voice of America broadcasts in other countries?
• Television programming produced in New Zealand shown in Australia?
• Pres. Obama talking with German leader?

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: Development Communication: A History (Marshall Plan, etc.) (U6-P2) Sp14

"Uncle" Wilbur

A Historical Sketch of Development Communication

First a quick overview...

Dr. Wilbur Schramm
Founder of the social science study of communication (late 40s-50s) and key founder of development communication.

• 1950s: 
• Post-WWII & Cold War -- Newly independent nations struggling (the “terrible ascent”)
• 1960s: 
• Schramm: How to help them? His answer: w/ mass media - “the great multiplier.” Need to bring in mass media technology.
• 1970s: 
• Many countries implemented mass media programs.
• 1980s: 
• 1) Concern with “Neo-imperialism”



Hamid Mowlana

• 2) Mowlana: users of mass media blind to the importance of traditional forms of communication in some societies/cultures. “Technology vs. Tradition” (Mowlana)
• 1990s: 
• Use of mass media to aid in development, but w/ caution regarding culture. Example: AIDS/HIV education in radio program in Tanzania & TV soap opera in China (Rogers)
• 2000s: 
• New issues and use of new communication technologies

(Sources: based on Mowlana, 1996, 1997, Stevenson, 1993, Rogers, 1997)



Now back to the 40s and 50s...

Coming out of World War II the U.S. was in good shape (economically, politically, etc.), but many of the nations of Europe faced problems.

To get a sense of the problem faces see CNN Perspectives Presents Cold War. (See also background info on this CNN series.)

Some of the series is available online.  As you watch the clips below pay close attention to the Marshall Plan.  What relationship does it have to development communication?

U.S. provided $$ and expertise in "reconstructing" Europe. U.S. foreign policy (lead by Truman) changed isolationism to “active leadership.” The U.S. offered the Marshall Plan* (more on Marshall Plan from CNN).

See the clips 0:00 to 1:50 and from 20:28 to 27:52




Why should the U.S. help European countries after WWII?

1. humanitarian concerns (White Man’s Burden again?)
2. stop spread of communism!

Truman Doctrine: to defend freedom & democracy worldwide.

Edward T. Hall

After reconstructing Europe Truman offered the world “the benefits of our [U.S.] scientific advances and industrial progress… for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas.”

This was called the Point Four Program. (Director, Edward Hall)
One of the key tasks taken on by Hall was teaching U.S. diplomats intercultural communication skills. The formal study of intercultural communication can be traced back to Hall and this program.  Hall has been called the founding father of intercultural communication study.

The government lacked knowledge on how to develop nations, so they turned to academia. Development theories were developed in economics, psychology, political science, sociology, and communication. For example, Wilbur Schramm offered his theory/approach to development.  By the mid-70s, development programs were recognized an ineffective. Schramm, Rogers and others recognized the faults.

Everett M. Rogers

What was wrong? According to Rogers (1976)
The old way of doing development programs had the following errors:

1. They assume infinite economic growth, ignore problems like population growth, pollution, etc., and do not take into account the "quality of life."
2. They emphasize technology and capital rather than labor, thus encouraging economic dependence on advanced countries. Low priority to agriculture.
3. It blames the developing countries for their failings, ignoring external factors beyond their control.
4. It takes an ethnocentric (Western) bias by emphasizing the modernization of "traditional" individuals.

(Sources: International Encyclopedia of Communication, "Development Communication," 1989; "Marshall Plan" Britannica Online.].).



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: What are International Communication and Global Communication? (U1-P2) Sp14

They are activities (things that happen in the world) and there are fields of academic study.

International Communication: “simply defined, is communication that occurs across international borders, that is, over the borders of nation-states”(Fortner).

International Communication: “a field of inquiry and research that consists of the transfer of values, attitudes, opinions, and information through individuals, groups, governments, and technologies, as well as the study of the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Mowlana).


Global Communication: “the intersection of disciplines that studies the transborder communication of values, attitudes, opinions, information, and data by individuals, groups, people, institutions, governments, and information technologies, as well as the resulting controversial issues arising from the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Frederick). [Note: Frederick is a former student of Mowlana. I had the honor of being a student of both Mowlana and Frederick at American University's School of International Service.]

What difference do you see between "international communication" and "global communication"?  Are they the same thing?  What is Frederick adding to the discussion?


One thing that Frederick stresses is that "global communication" is "an intersection of disciplines" or put another way it is an interdiscipline.

Interdiscipline: "a field of scholars who identify with various disciplines but share a common interest in a theme that crosses traditional [academic] boundaries“ (Littlejohn).

Disciplines which study GC: international relations, political science, communication, sociology, anthropology, electronic communication, etc.

Another difference that Frederick stresses is: 

• International Communication: 
• communication between nation-states
• Global Communication: 
• includes nation-states, but also acknowledges the growing importance of the role of the “non-state actors”

Types and examples of “non-state actors”

• Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
• private interest groups
• Grameen Bank 
• Greenpeace International
• (See Union of International Associations (UIA) - 44,000+ NGOs listed)
• Transnational Corporations (TNCs)
• Examples
• Microsoft
• Coca-Cola
• CNN

Mowlana acknowledges Frederick’s distinction and now uses “Global Communication” in later books.

Use the definition given above and determine if the following are examples of global communication.

• Transfer of funds from a bank in U.S. to a Swiss bank?
• CNN broadcasts around the world?
• An electronic journal produced in the U.S. read by a person in Argentina?
• Voice of America broadcasts in other countries?
• Television programming produced in New Zealand shown in Australia?
• Pres. Obama talking with German leader?

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Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
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GlobalMedia: Development Communication: A History (Marshall Plan, etc.) (U5-P2) Sp13

"Uncle" Wilbur

A Historical Sketch of Development Communication

First a quick overview...

Dr. Wilbur Schramm

According to Rogers, Schramm is the founder of the social science study of communication (late 40s-50s) and key founder of development communication.

• 1950s: 
• Post-WWII & Cold War (Post-Imperialism?)-- Newly independent nations struggling (the “terrible ascent”)
• 1960s: 
• Schramm: How to help them? His answer: w/ mass media - “the great multiplier.” Need to bring in mass media technology.
• 1970s: 
• Many countries implemented mass media programs.
• 1980s: 
• 1) Concern with “Neo-imperialism”



Hamid Mowlana

• 2) Mowlana: users of mass media blind to the importance of traditional forms of communication in some societies/cultures. “Technology vs. Tradition” (Mowlana)
• 1990s: 
• Use of mass media to aid in development, but w/ caution regarding culture. Example: AIDS/HIV education in radio program in Tanzania & TV soap opera in China (Rogers)
• 2000s: 
• New issues and use of new communication technologies

(Sources: based on Mowlana, 1996, 1997, Stevenson, 1993, Rogers, 1997)



Now back to the 40s and 50s...

Coming out of World War II the U.S. was in good shape (economically, politically, etc.), but many of the nations of Europe faced problems.

To get a sense of the problems faced see CNN Perspectives Presents Cold War. (See also background info on this CNN series.)

Some of the series is available online.  As you watch the clips below pay close attention to the Marshall Plan.  What relationship does it have to development communication?

U.S. provided $$ and expertise in "reconstructing" Europe. U.S. foreign policy (lead by Truman) changed isolationism to “active leadership.” The U.S. offered the Marshall Plan* (more on Marshall Plan from CNN).

See the clips 0:00 to 1:20 and from 20:28 to 27:46





Why should the U.S. help European countries after WWII?

1. humanitarian concerns (White Man’s Burden again?)
2. stop spread of communism!

Truman Doctrine: to defend freedom & democracy worldwide.

Edward T. Hall

After reconstructing Europe Truman offered the world “the benefits of our [U.S.] scientific advances and industrial progress… for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas.”

This was called the Point Four Program. (Director, Edward Hall)
One of the key tasks taken on by Hall was teaching U.S. diplomats intercultural communication skills. The formal study of intercultural communication can be traced back to Hall and this program.  Hall has been called the founding father of intercultural communication study.

The government lacked knowledge on how to develop nations, so they turned to academia. Development theories were developed in economics, psychology, political science, sociology, and communication. For example, Wilbur Schramm offered his theory/approach to development.  By the mid-70s, development programs were recognized as ineffective. Schramm, Rogers and others recognized the faults.

Everett M. Rogers

What was wrong? According to Rogers (1976)
The old way of doing development programs had the following errors:

1. They assume infinite economic growth, ignore problems like population growth, pollution, etc., and do not take into account the "quality of life."
2. They emphasize technology and capital rather than labor, thus encouraging economic dependence on advanced countries. Low priority to agriculture.
3. It blames the developing countries for their failings, ignoring external factors beyond their control.
4. It takes an ethnocentric (Western) bias by emphasizing the modernization of "traditional" individuals.

(Sources: International Encyclopedia of Communication, "Development Communication," 1989; "Marshall Plan" Britannica Online.].).



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GlobalMedia: What are International Communication and Global Communication? (U1-P2) Sp13

Q: What are these things we call international communication and global communication?
A: They are activities (things that happen in the world) and they are fields of academic study.

International Communication: “simply defined, is communication that occurs across international borders, that is, over the borders of nation-states”(Fortner).

International Communication: “a field of inquiry and research that consists of the transfer of values, attitudes, opinions, and information through individuals, groups, governments, and technologies, as well as the study of the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Mowlana).

Global Communication: “the intersection of disciplines that studies the transborder communication of values, attitudes, opinions, information, and data by individuals, groups, people, institutions, governments, and information technologies, as well as the resulting controversial issues arising from the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Frederick). [Note: Frederick is a former student of Mowlana. I had the honor of being a student of both Mowlana and Frederick in American University's School of International Service.]

What difference do you see between "international communication" and "global communication"?  Are they the same thing?  What is Frederick adding to the discussion?


One thing that Frederick stresses is that "global communication" is "an intersection of disciplines" or put another way it is an interdiscipline.

Interdiscipline: "a field of scholars who identify with various disciplines but share a common interest in a theme that crosses traditional [academic] boundaries“ (Littlejohn).

Disciplines which study GC: international relations, political science, communication, sociology, anthropology, electronic communication, etc.

Another difference that Frederick stresses is: 

• International Communication: 
• communication between nation-states
• Global Communication: 
• includes nation-states, but also acknowledges the growing importance of the role of the “non-state actors”

Examples of “non-state actors”

• Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
• private interest groups
• Grameen Bank 
• Greenpeace International
• (See Union of International Associations (UIA) - 44,000+ NGOs listed)
• Transnational Corporations (TNCs)
• Examples
• Microsoft
• Coca-Cola
• CNN

Mowlana acknowledges Frederick’s distinction and now uses “Global Communication” in later books.

Use the definition given above and determine if the following are examples of global communication.

• Transfer of funds from a bank in U.S. to a Swiss bank?
• CNN broadcasts around the world?
• An electronic journal produced in the U.S. read by a person in Argentina?
• Voice of America broadcasts in other countries?
• Television programming produced in New Zealand shown in Australia?
• Pres. Obama talking with German leader?

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Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: Development Communication: A History (Marshall Plan, etc.) (U4-P2)

"Uncle" Wilbur

A Historical Sketch of Development Communication

First a quick overview...

Dr. Wilbur Schramm
Founder of the social science study of communication (late 40s-50s) and key founder of development communication.

• 1950s: 
• Post-WWII & Cold War -- Newly independent nations struggling (the “terrible ascent”)
• 1960s: 
• Schramm: How to help them? His answer: w/ mass media - “the great multiplier.” Need to bring in mass media technology.
• 1970s: 
• Many countries implemented mass media programs.
• 1980s: 
• 1) Concern with “Neo-imperialism”



Hamid Mowlana

• 2) Mowlana: users of mass media blind to the importance of traditional forms of communication in some societies/cultures. “Technology vs. Tradition” (Mowlana)
• 1990s: 
• Use of mass media to aid in development, but w/ caution regarding culture. Example: AIDS/HIV education in radio program in Tanzania & TV soap opera in China (Rogers)
• 2000s: 
• New issues and use of new communication technologies

(Sources: based on Mowlana, 1996, 1997, Stevenson, 1993, Rogers, 1997)



Now back to the 40s and 50s...

Coming out of World War II the U.S. was in good shape (economically, politically, etc.), but many of the nations of Europe faced problems.

To get a sense of the problem faces see CNN Perspectives Presents Cold War. (See also background info on this CNN series.)

Some of the series is available online.  As you watch the clips below pay close attention to the Marshall Plan.  What relationship does it have to development communication?

U.S. provided $$ and expertise in "reconstructing" Europe. U.S. foreign policy (lead by Truman) changed isolationism to “active leadership.” The U.S. offered the Marshall Plan* (more on Marshall Plan from CNN).

See the clips 0:00 to 1:20 and from 20:28 to 27:46



Why should the U.S. help European countries after WWII?

1. humanitarian concerns (White Man’s Burden again?)
2. stop spread of communism!

Truman Doctrine: to defend freedom & democracy worldwide.

Edward T. Hall

After reconstructing Europe Truman offered the world “the benefits of our [U.S.] scientific advances and industrial progress… for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas.”

This was called the Point Four Program. (Director, Edward Hall)
One of the key tasks taken on by Hall was teaching U.S. diplomats intercultural communication skills. The formal study of intercultural communication can be traced back to Hall and this program.  Hall has been called the founding father of intercultural communication study.

The government lacked knowledge on how to develop nations, so they turned to academia. Development theories were developed in economics, psychology, political science, sociology, and communication. For example, Wilbur Schramm offered his theory/approach to development.  By the mid-70s, development programs were recognized an ineffective. Schramm, Rogers and others recognized the faults.

Everett M. Rogers

What was wrong? According to Rogers (1976)
The old way of doing development programs had the following errors:

1. They assume infinite economic growth, ignore problems like population growth, pollution, etc., and do not take into account the "quality of life."
2. They emphasize technology and capital rather than labor, thus encouraging economic dependence on advanced countries. Low priority to agriculture.
3. It blames the developing countries for their failings, ignoring external factors beyond their control.
4. It takes an ethnocentric (Western) bias by emphasizing the modernization of "traditional" individuals.

(Sources: International Encyclopedia of Communication, "Development Communication," 1989; "Marshall Plan" Britannica Online.].).




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Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: What are International Communication and Global Communication? (U1-P2)

They are activities (things that happen in the world) and they are fields of academic study.

International Communication: “simply defined, is communication that occurs across international borders, that is, over the borders of nation-states”(Fortner).

International Communication: “a field of inquiry and research that consists of the transfer of values, attitudes, opinions, and information through individuals, groups, governments, and technologies, as well as the study of the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Mowlana).


Global Communication: “the intersection of disciplines that studies the transborder communication of values, attitudes, opinions, information, and data by individuals, groups, people, institutions, governments, and information technologies, as well as the resulting controversial issues arising from the structure of institutions responsible for promoting or inhibiting such messages among and between nations and cultures”(Frederick). [Note: Frederick is a former student of Mowlana. I had the honor of being a student of bother Mowlana and Frederick in American University's School of International Service.]

What difference do you see between "international communication" and "global communication"?  Are they the same thing?  What is Frederick adding to the discussion?


One thing that Frederick stresses is that "global communication" is "an intersection of disciplines" or put another way it is an interdiscipline.

Interdiscipline: "a field of scholars who identify with various disciplines but share a common interest in a theme that crosses traditional [academic] boundaries“ (Littlejohn).

Disciplines which study GC: international relations, political science, communication, sociology, anthropology, electronic communication, etc.

Another difference that Frederick stresses is: 

• International Communication: 
• communication between nation-states
• Global Communication: 
• includes nation-states, but also acknowledges the growing importance of the role of the “non-state actors”

Examples of “non-state actors”

• Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
• private interest groups
• Grameen Bank 
• Greenpeace International
• (See Union of International Associations (UIA) - 44,000+ NGOs listed)
• Transnational Corporations (TNCs)
• Examples
• Microsoft
• Coca-Cola
• CNN

Mowlana acknowledges Frederick’s distinction and now uses “Global Communication” in later books.

Use the definition given above and determine if the following are examples of global communication.

• Transfer of funds from a bank in U.S. to a Swiss bank?
• CNN broadcasts around the world?
• An electronic journal produced in the U.S. read by a person in Argentina?
• Voice of America broadcasts in other countries?
• Television programming produced in New Zealand shown in Australia?
• Pres. Obama talking with German leader?

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.